Bears are some of the most recognized and awe-inspiring animals found across various landscapes. Their strength and adaptability make them subjects of widespread interest, often sparking curiosity about their life cycles. People frequently wonder about the younger members of the bear family, particularly what they are called and how they begin their lives.
The Common Name for Young Bears
The term for a young bear is a “cub.” This designation applies to the offspring of all bear types, including grizzly, polar, and black bears. The term “cub” is used from birth until the young bear reaches a certain level of independence from its mother.
Adult male bears are known as “boars,” and adult female bears are called “sows.” A group of bear cubs born at the same time is referred to as a “litter.” However, a collective group of adult bears is sometimes called a “sleuth” or “sloth.”
Early Life of Bear Cubs
Bear cubs are born in a den during the winter months, often in January, while their mother is in a state of reduced activity. At birth, these newborns are small, weighing less than a pound, usually between 8 to 16 ounces. They are born blind, toothless, and with sparse fur, making them entirely dependent on their mother for warmth and nourishment.
Their eyes typically open around 25 days to six weeks after birth, and they gradually develop the ability to crawl within the den. Cubs spend their initial months inside the den, growing rapidly on their mother’s rich milk, which can have a fat content of up to 31%. By the time they emerge from the den in spring, usually at two to three months of age, cubs typically weigh between 4 to 6 pounds.
The time cubs spend with their mother varies by species, but it generally ranges from 1.5 to 3 years. For instance, black bear cubs often stay with their mother for about 16 to 17 months, while polar bear cubs remain for 2.5 to 3 years. During this period, the mother teaches them survival skills, such as foraging for food and avoiding threats, before they separate to establish their own territories.